Anchorage Eradicates Homeless Camps, Critics Disagree

0:00Anchorage stories making news on March 11th. Anchorage leaders are celebrating a big change. For the first time in years, there are no large entrenched homeless camps in the city. Mayor Susanne LaFrance says they've ended the era of dangerous tent cities that took over parks, trails, and lots. Officials credit aggressive outreach, year-round shelters, and new laws that let them clear camps faster. Even in the middle of a harsh winter, sprawling settlements of 100 or 200 people are gone. Not everyone is convinced. Critics like former homeless coordinators argue it's just optics. They say hundreds are still unsheltered, living in vehicles, small groups, or wooded spots, dodging citations by moving around. Reporters checked old hot spots like Davis Park, Chester Creek Trail, and others. Most sites are now just snow-covered trees with abatement notices and faint trails. A few solo tents linger, but no big communities. Looking ahead, most homeless folks in Anchorage are sheltered, unlike in Seattle or Portland. Year-round options help, but summer could bring challenges.

1:04City leaders plan to use their new tools to stop camps from returning. Thanks to our sponsor for helping bring you this episode. Press play. Put your head down. The sound is already there. S-O-L-L-I. SoleyPillo.com